A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that raises the floor of the sinus cavity, creating more space for the bone tissue and dental implant. A sinus lift is often performed when there is not enough bone height in the upper jaw.
There are two major types of sinus lift procedures. The first type is essentially a “traditional” sinus lift. During this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision either along your premolar or molar region, or sometimes inside your mouth. The surgeon then lifts the sinus membrane and places the bone graft material underneath. The second type is a “lateral” sinus lift. This procedure is performed when the sinus membrane is too close to the jawbone, making it impossible to place bone graft material underneath. During a lateral lift, the surgeon makes incisions along the side of the jaw and lifts the membrane away from the jawbone.
A sinus lift is required when a patient has insufficient bone or gum tissue in their upper jaw or maxillary sinuses. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including tooth loss, a tooth extraction, periodontal disease, or even just genetics.
After the procedure, you may experience minor pain, swelling, and bruising. However, this should subside within 2-3 weeks.